7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities
7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities - Explore the Appalachian Trail from Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina, is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the Appalachian Trail.
The city is surrounded by hundreds of trails that wind through the North Carolina mountains, offering sublime views and diverse terrain.
Hikers can tackle popular trails like Max Patch, Roan Mountain, and the Smoky Mountains, which constitute a major landmark on the Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Trail in North Carolina comprises approximately 100 miles of the iconic 2,200-mile trail, with an additional 217 miles shared along the Tennessee border, making it a prime destination for long-distance hikers.
Asheville's surrounding mountains feature over 100 different hiking trails, offering a diverse range of experiences, from the 360-degree views atop Max Patch to the breathtaking vistas of Roan Mountain.
Wesser Bald Fire Tower, located on the Appalachian Trail, provides hikers with a unique opportunity to climb a historic fire lookout tower and enjoy sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
The Appalachian Trail's varying difficulty levels, from the moderate Lemon Gap to Max Patch hike to the strenuous New Found Gap to Charlies Bunion trek, cater to hikers of all skill levels, making it an accessible outdoor adventure for everyone.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities - Explore the Appalachian Trail from Asheville, North Carolina
- 7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities - Uncover Nature's Wonders at Zion National Park, Utah
- 7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities - Kayak and Hike through Portland's Urban Oasis, Oregon
- 7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities - Conquer the Peaks Around Cody, Wyoming's Yellowstone Gateway
- 7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities - Surf and Trek Along Santa Barbara's Scenic Coastline, California
- 7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities - Discover Juneau's Glacial Grandeur and Alaskan Wilderness
7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities - Uncover Nature's Wonders at Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park in Utah offers breathtaking natural wonders, from its towering red and white cliffs to the flowing Virgin River.
Beyond the park, Utah is home to other remarkable destinations, such as the hoodoo-filled Bryce Canyon and the awe-inspiring Delicate Arch.
These natural gems provide a range of outdoor adventures, from canyoneering and rock climbing to camping and stargazing, making Utah an ideal destination for adventure-seekers.
The Virgin River, which flows through the heart of Zion, has carved the dramatic Zion Canyon, with walls reaching up to 2,000 feet in height, providing a stunning backdrop for the park's diverse array of flora and fauna.
Zion is home to a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of plant and animal life, including the endangered California condor, which has been reintroduced to the park after being on the brink of extinction in the 20th century.
The park's varied geology has led to the formation of several types of rock climbing routes, ranging from traditional crack climbing to technical face climbs, attracting experienced climbers from around the world.
The park's main entrance, known as the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, features a 1-mile-long tunnel that was an engineering marvel when it was completed in 1930, allowing visitors to access the park's remote and rugged interior.
7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities - Kayak and Hike through Portland's Urban Oasis, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, offers a variety of outdoor adventures for visitors, including kayaking on the Willamette River and hiking through the expansive Forest Park Trails system.
The city's urban oasis provides a serene escape, with the opportunity to explore its waterways and forested areas.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced outdoors enthusiast, Portland's natural offerings cater to a range of outdoor activities and skill levels.
The Willamette River, which runs through downtown Portland, is one of the few urban rivers in the United States that allows public access for recreational kayaking and canoeing.
Forest Park, located within the city limits of Portland, is the largest urban forest in the United States, spanning over 5,000 acres and offering over 80 miles of hiking trails.
The Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, a 365-acre wetland area just 2 miles from downtown Portland, is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers.
Portland's urban kayaking trails allow paddlers to explore the city's industrial history, with remnants of old docks, piers, and warehouses lining the Willamette River.
The Columbia Slough, a network of waterways north of the city, offers a less crowded and more serene kayaking experience, with the opportunity to spot beavers, otters, and a variety of waterfowl.
The Leif Erikson Trail in Forest Park is a popular hiking route that provides panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and the Portland skyline.
The Hoyt Arboretum, located within Forest Park, showcases over 2,000 species of trees and shrubs, making it a unique botanical destination for nature enthusiasts.
The Hawthorne Bridge, one of the oldest vertical-lift bridges in the United States, offers stunning views of the Willamette River and the city skyline for both kayakers and pedestrians.
7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities - Conquer the Peaks Around Cody, Wyoming's Yellowstone Gateway
Cody, Wyoming, serves as a gateway to the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park, offering visitors easy access to a diverse range of outdoor activities.
Situated near two park entrances, the town provides a starting point for exploring the majestic Absaroka Range, with options like the East Yellowstone Loop, Beartooth Loop, and South Fork Drive showcasing the area's historical sites, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.
Beyond Yellowstone, Cody is also known for its proximity to other popular outdoor destinations, such as Meeteetse and the charming Old Trail Town.
The Absaroka Range, a rugged mountain chain that borders Yellowstone National Park, offers challenging and scenic hiking opportunities around Cody, Wyoming.
These peaks can reach heights over 13,000 feet, providing breathtaking vistas for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts.
Cody serves as the gateway to the Shoshone National Forest, the first national forest established in the United States.
This vast wilderness area encompasses over 4 million acres and is known for its diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows, dense forests, and pristine lakes.
The Meeteetse Badlands, located just outside of Cody, feature unique geological formations known as hoodoos - tall, thin spires of rock sculpted by wind and water erosion.
These otherworldly landscapes are a popular destination for hikers and photographers alike.
The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, a short drive from Cody, offers opportunities for water-based activities such as boating, kayaking, and fishing in the deep, turquoise waters of Bighorn Lake, which is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
The Beartooth Scenic Byway, which connects Cody to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States, offering sweeping views of alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and snow-capped peaks.
The East Yellowstone Loop, a popular self-guided driving tour, allows visitors to explore the less-crowded eastern sections of Yellowstone National Park, including the stunning Lamar Valley, known for its abundant wildlife sightings.
The Old Trail Town in Cody features a collection of historic buildings and cabins that have been relocated from around the region, providing a glimpse into the architectural and cultural heritage of the American frontier.
7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities - Surf and Trek Along Santa Barbara's Scenic Coastline, California
Santa Barbara, known for its beautiful beaches and excellent surfing conditions, has become a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The diverse coastline offers a range of surf spots suitable for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly breaks at Leadbetter Beach to the legendary point break at El Capitan State Beach that attracts experienced surfers.
Several surf schools in the area provide lessons and equipment rentals, catering to visitors looking to catch the perfect wave.
Beyond surfing, the scenic trails along Santa Barbara's coastline offer opportunities for trekking and appreciating the area's natural beauty.
The Santa Barbara coastline is home to a unique geological formation known as the "Santa Barbara Channel Islands," which are the remains of a submerged mountain range that broke apart millions of years ago.
The waters off the Santa Barbara coast are part of the California Current, a major oceanic current that flows from the north, bringing with it a diverse array of marine life, including humpback whales, orcas, and the endangered southern sea otter.
The Gaviota State Park, located just west of Santa Barbara, is known for its unique rock formations, including the iconic "Gaviota Arch," a natural rock arch formed by centuries of erosion.
The Refugio State Beach, a popular surf spot, is home to one of the last remaining populations of the endangered California condor, which can often be spotted soaring above the coastal cliffs.
The Ellwood Mesa, a coastal bluff just east of Santa Barbara, is a prime location for observing the annual migration of the monarch butterfly, with thousands of these colorful insects passing through the area each fall.
The Santa Barbara coastline is part of the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for birds traveling between the Arctic and South America, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
The Chumash people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Santa Barbara region, were known for their sophisticated seafaring and fishing techniques, including the use of plank canoes to navigate the coastal waters.
The Goleta Slough, a tidal wetland area just north of Santa Barbara, is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including the endangered tidewater goby, a small fish found only in California's coastal estuaries.
The Santa Barbara Channel is a popular destination for recreational scuba diving, with shipwrecks, underwater caves, and a thriving kelp forest ecosystem waiting to be explored.
The Santa Barbara Harbor, located in the heart of the city, is a hub for water sports and boating activities, with opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing along the scenic coastline.
7 Surprising Destinations for Outdoor Adventures Near Major US Cities - Discover Juneau's Glacial Grandeur and Alaskan Wilderness
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, offers a breathtaking outdoor adventure destination with its glacial grandeur and Alaskan wilderness.
Visitors can explore the Juneau Icefield, hike to the Mendenhall Glacier, and enjoy wildlife-rich waters around the city's ports, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The Juneau Icefield covers an area of over 1,500 square miles, making it one of the largest non-polar icefields in the world.
The Mendenhall Glacier, a popular tourist attraction in Juneau, is retreating at a rate of about 30 feet per year due to climate change.
Juneau is the only state capital in the United States that cannot be accessed by road - visitors must arrive by air or sea.
The Taku Glacier, located within the Juneau Icefield, is the largest temperate glacier in the world, spanning over 5 miles wide and 12 miles long.
Juneau is home to the world's largest temperate rainforest, the Tongass National Forest, which covers over 17 million acres.
The Tracy Arm Fjord, located just south of Juneau, is a 26-mile-long fjord that is home to two tidewater glaciers, the Sawyer Glacier and the Baird Glacier.
The Juneau Icefield Research Program, founded in 1946, is one of the longest continuous glacier research programs in the world.
Juneau's average annual snowfall is over 90 inches, with some areas of the Juneau Icefield receiving over 200 inches of snow per year.
The Juneau Icefield is home to the Lemon Creek Glacier, which has been the subject of numerous scientific studies due to its rapid rate of retreat.
Juneau is a popular cruise ship destination, with over 1 million visitors arriving by cruise ship each year, many of whom come to experience the city's glacial grandeur.
The Juneau Icefield has been used as a training ground for NASA astronauts, who have conducted research and training on the glacier's unique characteristics.